The Palace Announces Meghan Markle's First 4 Royal Patronages

posted by Lauren Crawford -
Jan 10, 2019

Meghan Markle is ready to become a leader of change in the United Kingdom.

On Thursday (January 10), Kensington Palace announced the Duchess' royal patronages and she has not one, not two, (just going to skip three altogether), but four patronages — all of which "reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare."

Two of the patronages were handed down by Queen Elizabeth II — The National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). While the other two organizations — Smart Works and Mayhew — were simply close to the Duchess of Sussex's heart.

With Meghan being a "strong believer in using the arts to bring people from different backgrounds and communities together," the National Theatre's mission, which is to "make world-class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring for everyone and to be as inclusive, diverse and national as possible," directly aligns with her mindset. As for her second patronage, the ACU, which isthe world's first and oldest international university network, it also appeals to her ethos, being that she is an advocate of accessible education. The organization "champion's higher education," and offers "life-changing educational opportunities," including managing international scholarships.

The other two organizations are charities that support causes Meghan has worked to advance long before her royal-life began — support for women and animal welfare. Smart Works, the third patronage, helps "long-term unemployed and vulnerable women regain the skills, confidence, and tools to succeed at job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives." The Duchess' final patronage, Mayhew, is an "animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats, and people in communities both in London and internationally."

Following Kensington Palace's announcement, the mom-to-be, who is expecting her first child in the spring, visited Smart Works in London. While there she helped style women attending their second dressing and sat in on interview coaching and preparation, People reports.

Over the next few weeks, the Duchess will make public visits to the three other organizations.